Abstract

Religion and immigration policy are inherently tied together in the modern social and political world. Religion provides a moral basis and justification for both anti-immigration and pro-immigration groups, the extent to which that justification is utilized and grounded in belief depends on a variety of factors. This research project aims to understand the connection between religious upbringings, religious participation, and an individual’s participation in faith-based immigrant outreach organizations. This project will first address the existing research, beginning with how religion can shape an individual’s view on immigration and immigrants and ending with how faith influences and impacts both outreach organizations themselves and the individuals who participate in them. The next section will concern itself with a brief overview of three academic theories that can help explain the results. Additional data, taken from interviews conducted with three current participants in immigrant outreach work, will then be analyzed both by comparing it to the existing research as well as analyzing it through the lens of the previously mentioned theories. This project then concludes by addressing the main themes covered in the research, as well as how it could be expanded upon in the future.

Advisor

Miyawaki, Michael

Department

Sociology and Anthropology

Publication Date

2025

Degree Granted

Bachelor of Arts

Document Type

Senior Independent Study Thesis

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© Copyright 2025 Aiden S. Lentz